Fast pace, diverse needs and profiles

While the Marie-Thérèse de Villeneuve-Arifat tunnel boring machine powerfully and precisely bores its way under Toulouse, reaching one milestone after another, it is above all women and men who are driving the project forward on a day-to-day basis. One of them is Géraldine Samat. Together with HR specialist Laurie Boutet, she accompanies those on the construction site who are mastering this extraordinary challenge day after day.

An important project for the city

In 2024, after eight years at the same company, Géraldine felt the desire to start a new chapter. As a Toulouse native, it was only natural for her to get involved in the metro project: "It's an important project for the city. Contributing to it gives my work even more meaning."

The HR role on a tunnel construction site

Today, she supports more than 250 employees on the metro construction site in Toulouse. Géraldine is the local HR contact for the entire consortium. Her tasks are varied: recruitment, administration, support for temporary employees, team support and general services.

A special environment

Géraldine emphasizes: "A construction site wouldn't work without HR on site. You have to be available, approachable and keep the door open." Her role requires close proximity to the teams and a good understanding of the demands of everyday life on a construction site: round-the-clock shift work and irregular working hours.

Working on a construction site is very different from everyday office life and is characterized by a fast pace, very immediate needs, high demands on adaptability and a wide variety of profiles.

Still a very male-dominated world ... but changing

The tunnel boring machine bears the name of the Toulouse poet Marie-Thérèse de Villeneuve-Arifat - a symbol that recalls the role of women in these environments. "Giving tunnel boring machines women's names is strong."

For Géraldine, the presence of women is an expression of a natural development in the industry: professions are changing, conditions are evolving and barriers are becoming smaller. "Today, no profession is reserved exclusively for men." Women also bring an important balance: Listening, structure, support - a valuable addition in challenging projects.

A shared adventure

What particularly characterizes Géraldine's everyday life is the energy on the construction site: "It happens very quickly, there are a lot of people there, but the atmosphere is excellent."

Different backgrounds, nationalities, experiences - and yet: "Everyone is pulling in the same direction." Géraldine remembers several highlights on the construction site, such as the christening of the tunnel boring machine or the celebration of Saint Barbara, patron saint of miners - symbolic moments that bring the teams together.